Hancock County Sheriff deputy Dante DiJirolanio holds his 3-month-old bloodhound K-9 Kennie Monday morning during a visit to Clarke Field in Newell. The entire K-9 unit stopped by to visit with a playgroup there and took Kennie on a “play date” with the children. DiJirolanio currently also is the handler for K-9 Kevin, a dual purpose patrol dog that is retiring due to health at year’s end. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

NEW CUMBERLAND — Hancock County’s newest K-9 spent time before training Monday morning for a “play date” with kids.

K-9 Kennie’s handler is Deputy Dante DiJirolanio. On Monday morning, DiJirolanio and the office’s other handlers visited the Clarke Field Play Group to introduce Kennie, a 3-month-old bloodhound puppy, to children attending summer playgroup.

Attendance was a little down due to the excessive heat, but Kennie didn’t seem to mind. As the only dog on the playground, he drew much attention and loved his time with the youngsters in the baby pool, where he could cool off.

DiJirolanio explained that he picked up Kennie last month, and the training process is ongoing.

In fact, on Monday all the officers were heading to another location with their dogs, which they left in the climate-controlled vehicles during the play date.

Bloodhounds are known for their tremendous tracking ability. The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office is using Kennie exclusively for that purpose. He will be used to locate suspects, missing children and dementia patients.

“He is doing very well, but he isn’t certified and ready to go yet,” DiJirolanio explained.

Kennie was born in Leitchfield, Ky. at Bluegrass Bloodhounds. Nine generations of his bloodline have worked in law enforcement, according to DiJirolanio.

The addition of Kennie puts the Hancock County Sheriff’s K9 unit up to five dogs, including Gabe, Kevin, Sandro and Magor. However, it won’t be for long.

DiJirolanio, who also is K-9 Kevin’s handler, said that Kevin will retire by year’s end for health reasons. All the other K-9 dogs are dual-purpose patrol dogs and German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mixes.

To contribute to the K-9 fund, which makes this program possible, reach out to either organization president Hugh Tate or vice president DiJirolanio by phone at 304-564-3311 or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HCDSAWV/